Equality Act 2006

Commission for Equality and Human Rights
Equality is not a minority concern - it matters to every one of us. At some point in our lives, all of us face barriers that may prevent us fulfilling our potential, or participating fully in society.

Recognising that isolation, misunderstanding, fear, intimidation and segregation can be crucial elements of inequality or unjust treatment, the commission's brief extends beyond tackling discrimination, to demonstrating and sharing best practice and promoting equality and human rights principles in public and private bodies. Using these principles, it will also seek to address tensions and promote good relations between individuals and between and within groups in their local communities.

The fundamental objective of the commission, as summarised in section 3 of the Equality Act 2006, is to support the development of a society where:

• people's ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination;
• there is respect for and protection of each individual's human rights;
• there is respect for the dignity and worth of every individual;
• every individual has an equal opportunity to participate in society; and
• there is mutual respect between groups based on understanding and valuing diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission aims to reduce inequality, eliminate dicrimination, strengthen good relations between all people and promote and protect human rights, ensuring that everybody has a fair chance to participate in society.

Launched on 1st October 2007, the Commission is an independent statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006.  Our sponsor minister is Harriet Harman MP, Minister for Women and Equality, Government Equalities Office 2008.  We took over the responsibilities of the three former equality commissions: the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities.  We also have responsibility for other key areas of equality-age, gender reassignment, religion or belief, and sexual orientation-as well as for human rights.

The Commission is the first British organisation of its kind, heralding a major shift in the way we tackle inequality and promote human rights.  We will prevent discrimination by addressing the causes that lie behind it, encouraging systemic change instead of relying solely on individual legal remedies after the event.

Our agenda is ambitious: we want to shape the society we all live in, changing the way both organisations and individuals approach equality, human rights and good relations between people, regardless of their backgrounds.  We want to break down the barriers that hold people back, releasing talent and expanding opportunities for all.

Associated documents:

  Easy-Read Guide for the Equality Bill  (0.57 MB)
Easy-Read Guide for the Commission for the Equality and Human Rights  (0.49 MB)
Equality Act 2006  (0.35 MB)